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Diets A-Z: Slimming World
What is Slimming World all about?
The theory
Slimming World clubs operate throughout the UK. Weight loss is encouraged through a low-calorie diet. Group support is given at local weekly meetings to help keep motivation on track.
The plan
As part of its food optimising system, Slimming World has designed two eating plans - Green Days and Original Days (often referred to as Red Days). On Green Days you can pick from a huge number of free foods including pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, veg, beans and pulses. These can be mixed and matched with 'healthy extras' such as lean meat or fish. Original Days allow for a higher protein consumption and free foods include lean meat, fish and most fruit and vegetables.
The emphasis is on eating low-fat foods without, for the most part, having to weigh out portions. On top of this, other foods - mainly alcohol and fatty foods - are given a 'syn' (synergy) rating and, depending on your goals, you are allowed a certain number of syns a day. Artifical sweeteners are substituted for sugar.
Pros
It's a carb-aholics dream and the vast array of free foods means you should never feel hungry. There is no measuring of food in this plan. Once you hit your target weight you can continue attending the club's weekly classes for free as long as you stay within 3lbs either side of it. There are good recipes and web information.
Cons
Though the plan claims its use of the word syns is a light-hearted way to banish guilt rather than encourage it we still think it is an unhealthy association - there is already enough guilt associated with food. Most people are allowed ten syns a day - a glass of wine is equivalent to five.
Duration
Indefinite.
Tips
Get more information at www.slimming-world.co.uk.
Checklist
Restaurants: Yes if the foods on the menu fit into your meal plan.
Alcohol: Yes, but it counts as a syn.
Caffeine: Yes.
Need to buy special foods: No.
Family friendly: Yes.
OK for vegetarians: Yes.
The pros say
The plan is basically a traditional low-calorie diet requiring you to watch your fat intake. Thousands of people have successfully lost weight and benefited from the support obtained through Slimming World, and good evidence backs up the idea that clubs, in general, help to people to keep weight off once it has been lost.
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